Farmworker

California Judge Pauses Farmworker Unionization at Major Agricultural Firm Amidst Legal Challenge Over New Unionization Laws

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Kern County Superior Court judge has issued a preliminary injunction in favor of Wonderful Co., pausing the farmworker unionization efforts under a disputed state law while the company’s lawsuit proceeds. Judge Bernard C. Barmann ruled that the $6-billion agricultural firm demonstrated a significant likelihood of prevailing in its challenge against California’s recently enacted “card-check” unionization process. The legal conflict began when Wonderful, owned by philanthropists Stewart and Lynda Resnick, contended that the legislation, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in 2022, infringes on constitutional rights by allowing a union to … Read more

Grand Jury Indicts Suspect on Seven Counts of First Degree Murder in Half Moon Bay Farmworker Case, Drawing Attention to Deplorable Living Conditions

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Half Moon Bay, California – The suspect accused of killing seven farmworkers in Half Moon Bay last year has been indicted on seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder by a criminal grand jury. This tragedy not only shocked the small coastal community with a population of around 11,000, but it also exposed the dismal living conditions endured by many farmworkers in the area. Authorities have characterized the incident as a workplace-related shooting triggered by the suspect’s perception of mistreatment. San Mateo County District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, explained that the … Read more